Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Jens Stoltenberg held a joint press conference on Wednesday. There, the Ukrainian president downplayed yesterday’s criticism that they had not received a timetable for NATO membership.
– We understand that we cannot become members of NATO as long as the war continues. But it is important to send signals about future NATO membership, says Zelensky.
On Wednesday, Ukraine and NATO agreed on a three-step package which
will bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership.
– There will be a long-term support program, a council between Ukraine and NATO that confirms that Ukraine will join NATO and a shortened entry process, says Jens Stoltenberg.
– The Ukrainian forces must become fully interoperable with NATO’s forces, he adds.
Toned down the criticism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the failure to present a timetable for Ukraine’s entry into NATO on Tuesday. Today he downplayed the criticism.
– We discussed the expectations for the NATO summit. It is important that Ukraine does not have to submit an action plan for NATO membership, says Zelensky and takes the opportunity to thank Stoltenberg.
– We have some good news with new defense support packages. I am grateful to all the leaders who promised these support packages, says Zelensky.
“Closer to NATO than ever”
Stoltenberg and Zelenskyj are asked if they see a risk that the path to Ukrainian NATO membership could lead to a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
– We understand that you can be afraid to talk about our membership right now because nobody wants a world war, which is logical and understandable. I want everyone to understand that Ukraine is a civilized people and we understand that we cannot become members of NATO as long as the war continues. But it is important to send signals about future NATO membership, says Zelensky.
– There are no risk-free options, but the biggest risk is to let Putin win because it sends a message that he can invade countries without facing resistance, says Stoltenberg.
– Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before, says Jens Stoltenberg.